Mayor Chris Spearman, Metis Local #2003 Vice President Louise Saloff and Metis Elder Rod McLeod at the Métis Flag raising ceremony to kick off Métis week at City Hall on Nov. 14.
On a windy Nov. 14 morning as the Métis flag was being raised it represented more than just a symbol but a vibrant resilient culture.
The Métis flag is one of the oldest patriotic flags originating in Canada, predating Canada’s Maple Leaf flag by 150 years.
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“One of my glorious ancestors Peter Fiddler saw the Métis flag flying during the Battle of Seven Oaks, so there is a bit of a family connection.” Says Métis Elder Rod McLeod.
Local dignitaries Mayor Chris Spearman, Métis Local Vice President Louise Saloff, ML President Alice Bissonette and Métis Elder Rod McLeod represented at the raising.
Métis week is an annual celebration of Métis culture and their contributions and sacrifices to become a distinct self-governing nation.
The Honorable Louis David Riel is acknowledged and recognized during Métis week as the founder of Manitoba and defender of the Métis.
There are over 451,000 Métis which comprise 32.3% of the aboriginal population and 1.4% of the total Canadian population.
The Métis continue to strive for recognition and rights, in 1982 they were included as one of the aboriginal peoples, with Indian and Inuit, under section 35 of the Constitution Act.
Métis Local #2003 is an organization that has been active in building positive relationships both within the aboriginal and city community.
“The Métis culture was a fusion of French, European and First Nation influences which developed a unique language called Michef.” said Métis Local #2003 Vice President Louise Saloff.
Métis communities developed along fur trade routes and was known as the Homeland which was the prairie provinces and surrounding area.
The Hudson’s Bay Company sold the Homeland to the Dominion of Canada without notifying the Métis.
In 1986 The Hudson’s Bay Company sold the Homeland to the Dominion of Canada without notifying the the people who lived there, the Métis.
Because of this, Louis Riel who lived in the Homeland started a provisional government and this had him exiled to the United States.
After a number of battles won and eventually lost, Riel surrendered and was taken to Regina and executed in 1885.
Métis have a rich, unique and vibrant culture in traditional music and dance through fiddling and jigging.
The Métis sash which is a finger woven swath of cloth and is known to symbolize members who have made cultural, political, or social contributions.
For more information regarding any events or services contact the Métis Local #2003.
